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Rider Park

Rider Park is one of Pennsylvania’s great scenic and recreational treasures - 867 acres of private land available to the public 365 days a year for hiking, trail running, mountain bike riding, cross-country skiing and other low impact recreational activities. The park offers 10 miles of major and secondary trails leading to three breathtaking vistas. Choose from four major trails appropriate for various fitness levels. Visitors can combine the trails for longer hikes or continue on to trails in the adjacent Loyalsock State Forest. Rider Park is the legacy of local businessman and civic leader, Thomas J. Rider, who wanted to share his love of recreation and the outdoors with the people of Lycoming County.

About the Park

History

Rider Park is a gift of the late Thomas J. Rider to the residents of Lycoming County, Pennsylvania. Mr. Rider included a special request that the Sisters of Christian Charity and Divine Providence Hospital, now part of Susquehanna Health System, use the area for employee recreation and patient rehabilitation. He also provided funds for the maintenance of the park.

A noted businessman and civic leader, Mr. Rider strongly believed in the benefits of a life of community service. Rider Park is a fitting legacy. Located in Lycoming County, north of Warrensville, Pennsylvania, the park has over 867 acres of woodlands and meadows and is a tribute to a man whose life embodied a healthy balance of work, volunteerism and the enjoyment of recreation.

Rider Park is owned and operated by FCFPA Properties, Inc., a subsidiary of the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania.

Directions

From Williamsport - Take I-180 East to exit 23B, Warrensville Road. Merge onto East Third Street. Turn left onto Warrensville Road just before the bridge to Montoursville. Travel North on Warrensville Road for 5.9 miles. Just past the junction of Route 973, Warrensville Road becomes Pleasant Valley Road. Continue on Pleasant Valley Road approximately 1 mile. Turn right onto Caleb Creek Road for about 1.7 miles. Continue to the top of the mountain.

From Muncy - Take I-180 West to exit 21, PA-87 North/Loyalsock Avenue. Turn left onto PA-87 North for 4.3 miles. Turn left onto PA-973 West for 1.9 miles. Turn right on Warrensville Road/Pleasant Valley Road for approximately 1 mile. Turn right onto Caleb Creek Road for about 1.7 miles. Continue to the top of the mountain.

Parking

There is a parking lot at the end of the entrance road for your use. This is the Park’s designated parking area. Please do not block gates.

Facilities

Picnic tables and portable restrooms are available for use. Trash receptacles are not provided. Please remember to take all trash with you. Your cooperation will help preserve the Park’s natural beauty.

Use of the Park

Trails and Trail Conditions

All trails are open daily from dawn until dusk. Rider Park has ten miles of major and secondary trails for your enjoyment. The trails on Rider Park also access additional trails on the Loyalsock State Forest located north of the Park.

A more detailed description of current trail conditions is available by calling 570.321.1500.

Activities

Rider Park is an 867 acre low impact park offering a variety of outdoor activities. There is always something exciting to see and do at Rider Park. The activities permitted in the park are: hiking, picnicking, cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, mountain biking, trail running, bird watching and wildlife viewing. There are three scenic vistas along park trails: Doe Pen, Katy Jane East, and Katy Jane South.

User Guidelines – Rules – Prohibitions

Recreational use of the Park is limited to activities that blend in with its natural beauty and serenity. Visitors are expected to honor the rules for recreational use designed to protect the Park, ensure user safety and promote an enjoyable experience.

The First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania reserves the right to relocate or limit recreational use in order to accomplish the management goals of the park.

Contact Us

Volunteer Opportunities

Are you interested in volunteering at Rider Park? Volunteers are needed to help improve the Park with a variety of projects. Contact Us if you would like to be notified about up an upcoming opportunity.